Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, has been nominated as the host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
The nomination was announced by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
This marks a historic moment for Nigeria and the West African sub-region, positioning Lagos as a hub for promoting intra-African trade, investment, and economic integration.
Responding to the announcement in Algiers, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said; “the choice of the state underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.
“We are very excited about the choice of Lagos for 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it is a reflection of our resilience, our strength and our commitment to the Greater Lagos journey as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. We are striving towards making Lagos a global financial hub; this will definitely boost our efforts. So the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which drives the Greater Lagos vision, focuses on six key areas: Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance, with “Plus” highlighting social inclusion, gender equality, and youth engagement.”
“We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo, and, in a few days, we will be hosting the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will put us in the company of leading cities, such as Monaco, Jeddah and others. We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work,” he said
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgement of the State’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, “It is a lot of work. I assure all would-be participants that we will have a great outing here in Africa’s most populous city, the continent’s second-largest city economy. Lagos is indeed proud of this honor. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this honour on us.”
Proud moment
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada-Ambrose, said Lagos hosting the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF)—the continent’s premier biennial trade and investment event, was a proud moment for Lagos and Nigeria.
She noted that “the opportunity is a strategic milestone for Nigeria and the West African sub-region in boosting intra-African trade and accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA.”
Bada-Ambrose said; “Hosting the IATF 2027 positions us at the forefront of Africa’s trade future and reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, investment, and innovation. It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, being implemented by Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city.
“With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse, entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal setting for trade, dialogue, and business partnerships that will shape the future of Africa.”
Mrs. Folashade said that “the fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.”
The Commissioner listed key highlights of Lagos’ nomination to include strategic economic position, Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with Lagos as its economic nerve center; gateway to West Africa, the city offers unmatched access to West African markets, with a rapidly modernising infrastructure and international connectivity; and commitment to AfCFTA hosting the IATF 2027 will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts in deepening intra-African trade and positioning local industries for continental competitiveness.
“The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Nigerian Government of Nigeria, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will commence preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security, and hospitality among top priorities,” she said.
Mrs. Ambrose affirmed that the choice of Lagos reflects Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that will leave a legacy beyond 2027.